Western Diocese

The CYMA-WD committee has been actively working to make 2007 an amazing year. In its three years since inception, over twenty-five Armenian youth between the ages of 18-29 have visited their homeland through the CYMA-WD program. This mission was initiated by his Eminence, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, after the Spiritual Pilgrimage to Armenia in 2001 on the occasion of the 1700 Anniversary of the official adoption of Christianity as the state religion of Armenia. Over 100 participants from the Western Diocese took part in the worldwide pilgrimage and celebration in Armenia. The 2007 CYMA-WD program is split between a two week Spiritual Pilgrimage, and an eight week Internship Program. These two programs will take place starting 17 June, 2007. The internship program will come to a close on 11 August, 2007. Both programs are open to all Armenian youth 18-29 years of age. Both pilgrims and interns will take residence in student dorms in Yerevan or apartments located in the city center. CYMA-WD SPRITUAL PILGRIMAGE It should be every young man and woman's goal to experience the roots of their spiritual and cultural identity. The CYMA Pilgrimage accomplishes this goal. Pilgrims will travel to the most breath taking spiritual and historical sites throughout Armenia and Artsakh. The Spiritual Pilgrimage is designed to be an extraordinary time to learn and discover the Armenian identity in our spiritual and ancestral homeland. Pilgrims will travel throughout Armenia visiting special locations, lead by a clergyman of the Western Diocese as well as our CYMA-WD Coordinator. This trip is perfect for first time visitors as well as those who have been to Armenia before and did not have the opportunity to visit the spiritual sites of the country. In addition, pilgrims will take place in lectures, activities, and events in Yerevan. CYMA-WD INTERNSHIP PROGRAM The CYMA-WD Internship Program allows young adults an opportunity to experience daily living in Armenia through an internship in a professional setting. The internship will provide participants with insightful experiences regarding their field of study, future career goals, and more in depth experiences of life in Armenia. In addition, lectures from members of various organizations will provide fundamental lessons regarding the economic, cultural and religious dynamics present in Armenia today. Participants will also gather on a weekly basis to discuss incorporating our Christian lives into our daily life, both while in Armenia and upon return. The CYMA-WD program's aim is to create a seminal bond with the Armenian Church, culture and heritage through the participation in the daily life in Armenia creating a bridge between Armenia and the diaspora. It is the belief of the executive members of the CYMA-WD that every Armenian youth should have the opportunity to experience daily life in their spiritual and ancestral homeland. For more information about the CYMA-WD program, or to submit and an application, please visit www.cyma-wd.org. The Christian Youth Mission to Armenia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the auspices of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America as a mission of the Armenian Church Youth Organization.